Matt Damon-less sequel to the rather good 'Bourne trilogy'. Jeremy Renner acceptable as the 'moving target', though he labours under having conspicuously lived-in features whereas Damon's bland physiognomy could be lost in a crowd, which would be an advantage in this role..
Rachel Weisz emotes as per the instruction leaflet. Edward Norton as usual, never disappoints, though here his know-it-all authority figure hardly stretches him.
Some of the several chases are good fun and did get my adrenalin flowing, at least up to a point. Renner not hindered at all in speed or versatility despite carrying a backpack. Very impressive. His character also displays bottomless initiative in outsmarting his pursuers, which is what is only to be expected in an action film like this.
I'd lost the thread of the plot within the first quarter hour - and therefore the attempts during the film's course to flesh out motivation and strategy were lost on me. I don't think I'm alone. In fact maybe the majority don't bother with keeping up with what's going on, which makes those sagging longueurs of explanation all a bit unnecessary. But I suppose if they don't attempt to give it a veneer of plausibility some critic or other is going to pounce. However, once again my frequent complaint comes up - why make it so difficult to hear what the characters are saying, especially if it really is that important? But I know I'm onto a loser just by posing the question.
All in all, a fair enough romp to wile away a couple of hours entertainingly enough. One of those see-it-once-then-forget-it films.
My score...............5/10
I went into this one with reservations since "The Bourne Trilogy" clearly belongs to Matt Damon. At the opening scene, when Renner plunges into icy waters, Matt Damon, in his first appearance, is brought to mind. A brilliant start to a new era of Bourne films, linking the new with the previous. Renner - not bad- bringing an intensity to the role. Rachel Weisz is a good choice as she fulfilled the requirements of the role: able to run.
ReplyDeleteI would not use the same criteria in my rating as I used for "Carnage" or "The Deep Blue Sea." Rather that is fulfills the Bourne requirements: (1) a good action movie (2) summer escapism (3) not required to think and (4) the Bourne legacy will continue. My rating is A-
It certainly wasn't a BAD film, Paul. I've seen many worse this year alone. In fact, to be fair, I was actually thinking of upping my score - all the way to 5.5!
DeleteI'd be most interested in knowing if you could follow what was happening. Am I so unusual in finding such a high proportion of the dialogue (in films generally, these days) practically indecipherable?
I've just re-read what I wrote yesterday, within an hour of returning from having seen the film, and there's very little that I would change.
The film does deliver the goods, but very little beyond that.
I think we'd have to accept each others divergent opinions - though they aren't really THAT far apart. Only in degree, I suppose.
I have to agree with you that it was difficult to follow what was happening. I took it for what it is: a summer film, plenty of action and pure escapism and meets expectations for the Bourne legacy. And yes, a portion of the dialogue was indecipherable. If I had seen this film in winter, my rating would have been much lower. When this is released on DVD, this film will be added to my three Bourne discs.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't care to see this one alone, though the earlier full trilogy I wouldn't mind seeing again in succession. Oh, and as I didn't make it clear, for me Renner has far more charisma than Damon, though I will concede that the latter is a good actor.
DeleteWow, your statement that Renner has more charisma than Damon, really took me by surprise! But then, everything is subjective.
ReplyDeleteNow YOUR statement has astonished ME, Paul. What I had arrogantly thought as self-evident turns out not to be so. If I may be more precise, in my books Renner is much the hotter of the two. But as you suggest, it's all down to personal taste. Et vive la difference! :-)
Deletenow I have a "thing" for mr Renner
ReplyDeletelovely is a slightly "cookie" kind of way!
Yes, I can appreciate what you say, J.G. - and, to some extent, I share it. It actually came as some some surprise when I read that he's getting weary of remarks about his perceived (correctly or not) sexuality. He hadn't registered on my own radar before this film. But now I look forward to seeing him again in something a bit different.
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